BIO

I am a freshman at FSU who came to Tallahassee to study Political Science and Economics. I aim to run for public office and enter government after college, as well as travel all around the world and start a family. I am a proud central New Jerseyan born and raised who is passionate about this country's past, present, and future, hence why any project exploring the history of America is right up my alley. Specific American figures from the past and their relevance to today are my top priority when conducting research. Dealing with a country that has as controversial and complex a history as the United States, I am a strong believer that we must learn from our past to make the best decisions going forward. I was very excited when the opportunity to be a part of this project was presented to me!

Prince Achille Murat of Territorial Tallahassee

Abstract

Although the overall project is called Tallahassee Turns 200 and is all about the early history of Florida’s capital city, the specific focus of this poster is Prince Achille Murat. Arguably the most influential figure in Tallahassee during the 1820s, he was the French nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte and the husband of Catherine Murat, a descendant of George Washington. Through an in-depth literature review of both primary and secondary sources, it was found that Achille left France once his uncle was exiled, moved to New Jersey, and then down to Florida once he was offered a position in the early government of the state. He impacted all parts of early Tallahassee society through his role in the government, writings on controversial subjects, and aristocratic reputation. He was a plantation owner and a huge defendant of slavery during a time it was often debated. Murat also was a stout fighter against Native Americans having battled against tribes on multiple occasions. Finally, he expressed his gratitude to live in a free country like the United States at any chance he got and repaid the country by bringing his European dance and cultural influences to the sunshine state. His contributions to antebellum Tallahassee cannot go unrecognized when studying the founding of Florida.

Keywords: Prince Achille Murat